Podcast
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley
Hosted by Joe Kelley | Musicians Reveal Podcast · EN
Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family.
From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (17.2k subscribers, 8.1 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike.
🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured:
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners
Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper
Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more
Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond
🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet.
New interviews weekly.
🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it.
🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:
YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal
🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049
Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Elisa Fiorillo: Prince, New Music, The NPG & Purple Tapestry
5d ago00:51:54Tap to summarizeSinger, songwriter and former New Power Generation vocalist Elisa Fiorillo joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.Elisa discusses her new single "Clear Blue Skies," performing with the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars, memories of Prince, the surprising advice Prince gave her as a songwriter, her upcoming memoir Purple Tapestry, and the next phase of her musical journey.She also shares stories about recording with Prince, touring, songwriting, family, and the inspiration behind her newest music.Recorded June 2026.Hosted by Joe Kelley.On air since 1982.
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Spellbound | 30 Years of Friendship, Funk & Independent Music
1w ago00:33:07Tap to summarizeBobby Moon and Paul Pablo Thomas of Spellbound join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss more than three decades of friendship, music, creativity, and independent artistry.The conversation explores the band's origins, musical influences, songwriting process, live performances, the changing music industry, and their latest release, Life 101.Originally recorded in 2026.
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Gary Hines (Sounds of Blackness) | Minneapolis Music, Dr. King & Message Music | 2007 Archive
1w ago00:21:57Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded in 2007.Joe Kelley welcomes Gary Hines, founder and leader of Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness.Gary discusses the group's album Kings and Queens: Message Music From The Movement, the lasting influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attending King's funeral, growing up in Yonkers, New York, and the rich musical history of Minneapolis.The conversation also explores Ann Nesby's role in Sounds of Blackness, community activism through music, legendary Minneapolis clubs, and the mission that has guided Sounds of Blackness for decades.Topics include:Sounds of BlacknessKings and QueensDr. Martin Luther King Jr.Minneapolis music historyAnn NesbyMessage musicCommunity activismGospel, soul, funk and R&BKirby PuckettMinnesota music cultureOriginally broadcast on WVOF 88.5 FM.
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Jellybean Johnson on Prince, The Time & the Musicology Tour (2005 Radio Archive)
2w ago00:30:06Tap to summarizeOriginally recorded in 2005, Joe Kelley welcomes legendary drummer, guitarist, producer, and founding member of The Time, Jellybean Johnson.In this rare radio archive, Jellybean reflects on touring with Prince during the Musicology era, the discipline and rehearsal standards that made Prince's bands legendary, the unique artistry of the Minneapolis Sound, and his work with Ronnie Baker Brooks.He also shares stories about Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, The Time's live performances, and what it was like returning to arenas packed with 20,000 Prince fans during the Musicology Tour.Topics include:• Prince and the Musicology Tour • The Time's return to the stage • Prince's rehearsal standards • The Minneapolis Sound • Jesse Johnson and The Time • Ronnie Baker Brooks • 777-9311 and live performance • Touring, musicianship, and funk historyMusicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been documenting music history since 1982 through interviews with legendary musicians, producers, songwriters, and artists from the worlds of funk, R&B, jazz, rock, and pop.
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She Gave Up Singing for 20 Years... Then Everything Changed | Rainiere Martin
2w ago00:25:59Tap to summarizeRainiere Martin joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to discuss her incredible journey from giving up on music for 20 years to becoming one of the nation's premier Donna Summer tribute performers.Rainiere shares how years of rejection led her away from singing, the unexpected opportunity that changed her life, building the acclaimed Forever Donna tribute show, performing on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, and honoring the legacy of one of music's most beloved voices.Topics include Donna Summer, Legends in Concert, Philadelphia music influences, live performance, audience engagement, Joe Esposito, Tammi Terrell, and the perseverance required to pursue a dream after decades away.Learn more at 4everDonna.com.
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Rose Ann Dimalanta (RAD) on Prince, John Blackwell & Bay Area Funk
2w ago00:21:49Tap to summarizeIn this 2007 radio archive, Joe Kelley speaks with Rose Ann Dimalanta (RAD), keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter, and former member of Prince's New Power Generation.RAD discusses working with Prince, performing "When Doves Cry" in stadiums around the world, John Blackwell's role in connecting her to Prince's camp, Bay Area funk influences, touring, independent music, and the making of her album East Babe.She also shares her perspective on Prince's musical genius and explains what made him such a unique bandleader and artist.Originally recorded in 2007.
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Estaire Godinez on Prince, George Benson & Minneapolis Music
3w ago00:20:10Tap to summarizeOn air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed.In this radio archive from 2003, Joe Kelley talks with percussionist, vocalist, bandleader, and former Prince collaborator Estaire Godinez about her album Live From The Dakota and the vibrant Minneapolis music scene.Estaire reflects on performing with George Benson, recording live at The Dakota, building a Latin-funk sound, and working alongside acclaimed musicians including Mike Scott, Eric Leeds, and John Blackwell.She also shares memorable stories about Prince, unexpected guest appearances, and the collaborative spirit that made Minneapolis one of the most influential music communities in the world.This conversation captures a unique moment in time and offers a fascinating look inside the musicians, friendships, and performances that helped shape the Minneapolis Sound.Originally recorded in 2003.Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been bringing listeners real conversations with artists since 1982.
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Stephen Jay (Weird Al Yankovic) | Inside 44 Years of Weird Al, MTV, Bass & Creativity
3w ago01:00:44Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to stay in one of the most successful touring bands in music history for more than four decades?In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, legendary bassist Stephen Jay shares stories from his remarkable career with Weird Al Yankovic, discusses the creative process behind parody music, reflects on the explosive impact of MTV, and explains why music remains the ultimate medicine.Stephen also discusses:Joining Weird Al in the early 1980sThe overnight success of "Eat It"Life on the Bigger & Weirder TourRecreating famous bass lines and musical stylesThe challenge of performing parodies authenticallyWorking with PBS as a composerHis solo albums and creative projectsThe fascinating connection between rhythm and harmonyWhy great bass playing is often about the spaces between the notesStephen has been a cornerstone of the Weird Al band since its earliest days and continues to tour internationally while also releasing acclaimed solo music.Visit Stephen's music at StephenJayMusic.comSubscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for conversations with legendary musicians, producers, engineers, and artists from across the music world.
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Prince Drummer John Blackwell Remembering Daughter Jia (2004 Radio Archive)
3w ago00:58:34Tap to summarizeIn this rare 2004 archive interview, legendary drummer John Blackwell discusses the loss of his daughter Jia, the creation of the Jia Kennie Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the support he received from Prince, Larry Graham, family and friends during one of the most difficult periods of his life.Blackwell also reflects on:Prince and the Musicology TourThe New Power GenerationThe Rainbow ChildrenBerklee College of MusicLive music vs technologyPerforming with purposeCreating "A Song For Jia"A deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved drummers of his generation.Originally broadcast in December 2004.Hosted by Joe Kelley.
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Minneapolis Funk All-Stars feat. St. Paul Peterson | Keepin' The Funk Alive
4w ago00:53:42Tap to summarizeFor more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence of the Twin Cities sound, and the mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to keep that legacy alive for future generations. The group represents artists who helped shape the Minneapolis Sound through their work with Prince, The Time, The Family, the New Power Generation, and countless legendary recordings and tours. In This Episode• The origins and mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Life on the road with Prince and related projects • Favorite cities and audiences around the world • Memories of Jellybean Johnson and the Minneapolis music family • Stories from Paisley Park and Purple Rain-era musicians • The lasting impact of the Minneapolis Sound • Keeping funk, soul, and live musicianship aliveWhether you're a Prince fan, a student of music history, or simply love hearing great stories from legendary musicians, this conversation offers a rare gathering of artists who lived and helped create one of music's most influential scenes.Featured Guests• St. Paul Peterson – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Dr. Fink – Prince & The Revolution, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Kirk Johnson – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Elisa Fiorillo – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jerome Benton – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jason Peterson DeLaire – Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
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